House Measure Would Overturn Dade’s Wage Theft Law

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – The Florida House has passed a measure which would overturn Miami-Dade’s wage theft ordinance.

On Wednesday, by a vote of 77-38, the legislative body gave their approval to HB 609 which bans local governments from implementing programs which help low-wage workers whose employers do not pay them, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald. A companion bill is stalled in the Senate.

Approved by the county in February 2010, the wage theft ordinance provides a place for workers to turn when they are victims of wage theft. Managed by the county’s Small Business Development Division, the program has already collected or awarding almost $800,000 for over 400 workers. The ordinance has been used a model by several other cities.

Supporters of the HB 609 say workers should go to the court system if they feel like their wages have been unlawfully taken from them. They add that the county ordinance violates employer rights.